What’s the connection between sex and marijuana?

cannabis has been a subject of fascination for centuries, especially because of its apparent benefits in sexual practices. Although recent research suggests that this plant could have positive effects on libido and sexual satisfaction (with a particularly strong influence among women), dosage is also critical because it determines whether the effects will be stimulating or inhibiting. So, let’s explore in detail how you can include cannabis as part of your intimate experiences to enjoy other benefits besides improving your sleep.

Historically, cannabis has been a part of sexual expression in a wide range of cultures. Hindu sacred texts describe it as an essential component of tantric rituals, and its benefit to sexual health was also documented among Germanic tribes, in ancient China, and in various African communities. Despite this, modern science is still in the process of unravelling how cannabis and sexuality are really connected.

But due to the lack of extensive and detailed research, this question is difficult to answer. Most of the existing studies are based on survey responses, which may be loaded with bias and are not necessarily representative of the general population, making it difficult to reach any final conclusions.

Although it is not entirely clear how cannabis boosts sexual desire, anecdotal evidence suggests that it can significantly improve the sexual experience, particularly for women. So now it’s time to demystify what is known and what is not known about the interaction between cannabis and intimate relations.

How does marijuana affect sex?

Cannabis can alter the sexual experience in several significant ways. On the one hand, it is known to intensify emotional bonds and reduce inhibitions, which facilitates a more relaxed and open environment for intimacy. This reduction of anxiety and the encouragement of creative thinking can be especially beneficial in intimate relationships, where emotional comfort plays a crucial role.

Since there is an abundance of cannabinoid receptors in the skin, cannabis can also intensify physical closeness, increasing arousal and, consequently, general pleasure and satisfaction. And that’s not even factoring in that marijuana acts as a vasodilator, which improves blood flow and the opening of the capillaries, thereby increasing sensitivity in erogenous zones.

In theory, it makes sense that marijuana has a positive impact on sex thanks to all of its properties. The body’s endocannabinoid system, which is crucial for the regulation of homeostasis (i.e., the balance of our vital functions), is activated through cannabinoids. And our brain’s reward circuit, which is responsible for the feelings of gratification that we associate with sex, is brimming with cannabinoid receptors.

In the brain, for example, cannabinoid receptors are present in high concentrations in areas that control sexual function, such as the hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus. Therefore, the levels of endocannabinoids in the body increase during sexual arousal and after self-stimulation, suggesting a direct link between the endocannabinoid and sexual systems.

Men and women, two peas in the same pod

Research also suggests that cannabis affects men and women differently, especially when sex is a determining factor. For men, chronic cannabis use has been associated with erectile dysfunction, problems reaching orgasm, or reaching orgasm too quickly. This is possibly caused by the testosterone-reducing effects of weed, since testosterone is a hormone linked to sexual impulses.

Conversely, some research has linked cannabis use with longer and higher quality orgasms in women, noting that those who regularly consume cannabis experience greater pleasure in bed (or wherever they choose to perform the sexual act!).

However, cannabis can also cause dryness in the mucous membranes, including the vaginal wall (although this effect is most commonly noticed in the mouth). Interestingly, a recent study found that many women did not experience significant changes in vaginal lubrication despite this effect. In addition, cannabidiol (CBD) is associated with relaxation and pain reduction, which could be beneficial for women suffering from conditions such as endometriosis or pain during intercourse.

But, aside from all this, studies have shown that cannabis can increase the frequency of sexual activity for both men and women, particularly when used at low doses. Research published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine highlighted that individuals who consumed cannabis reported 20% more sexual activity than those who did not.

Most of the available studies on this topic are summarised in a 2019 review by Lynn et al. for the journal Sexual Medicine Reviews. For this analysis, researchers reviewed 12 human studies and eight animal studies published between 1970 and 2019. The data above are just some of their conclusions.

Cannabis and sexual activity: the secret lies in the dose

The latest scientific research has also shown that the dose size of cannabis is a determining factor in how it affects the sexual experience. Low doses tend to improve sexual experience and receptivity in women, whereas long-term use at high doses can significantly inhibit sexual desire. This illustrates the bimodal effect of cannabis, where different doses can induce completely contrasting responses. And if we add to the equation that we’re all different, you must bear in mind that something that works great for you could be a total failure for your partner.

Therefore, both the cannabis type (whether indica, sativa, or hybrid) and the correct dosage are essential to ensure a positive sexual experience. Sativa strains, for instance, are known for their energising effects (in contrast to indicas, which are more sedative), and this can be advantageous in situations requiring stamina and creativity – both important aspects of sexual experiences.

But looking on the bright side, this complexity brings amazing benefits: if not all cannabis affects you in the same way, you can explore different types of strains to find your perfect bed mate. Some experts recommend experimenting with a small amount of indica strains, sativa varieties, and at least one indica/sativa hybrid to see what works best.

The way cannabis is consumed can also alter the experience: smoking or vaping may have quick effects that last several hours, while edibles take longer to take effect (between 30 and 120 minutes) and have a more unpredictable impact – this means they may not be the best choice for a shared experience, especially because you can’t determine when you’ll get high.

Products on the market include topical creams, massage oils, CBD lubricants, and even suppositories which can all offer additional benefits – from increased arousal to faster and more powerful orgasms. And although scientific evidence is still limited in some cases, these products can be especially useful for women who suffer from vaginal dryness or are going through the menopause.

So where do we stand?: Is cannabis good or bad for sex?

As you can see, the answer to whether cannabis makes sex better can become confused with multiple factors, creating a calculation problem with many variables. There is no correct or incorrect strain for sex, no specific dosage form, and no best method of administration: it all depends on how your body responds to specific tensions and on the type of pleasure you’re looking for. Therefore, it’s just a simple matter of trial and error, although a mistake can sometimes have unpleasant consequences for a couple, especially when they’ve just met.

As research continues to develop and more studies are being conducted, the understanding of how cannabis can benefit sexual health will continue to evolve. However, for the time being, if you’re considering including cannabis in your sex life, you now have more data to do it in an informed and safe way.